V8 Supercars star Will Davison has broken through for Erebus Motorsport’s first pole position in a dramatic qualifying for the Sydney 500.

The Mercedes driver will start the first of Saturday’s two 125km races from the front row having topped the timesheets in a shortened opening session.

The late morning run was stopped with a minute left after returning champion Marcos Ambrose and veteran Craig Lowndes crashed at the same corner at Sydney Olympic Park.

Ambrose, racing competitively in V8 Supercars for the first time since 2005, slid into the concrete wall at turn five before coming to a rest in a nearby run-off area.

His Ford was met moments later by Lowndes’ Holden, after a similar – but heavier – shunt into the barrier, causing significant damage.

Both escaped uninjured but missed the second qualifying session.

The subsequent red flag meant several drivers, including Shane van Gisbergen who was fastest in morning practice, couldn’t complete their hotlaps.

Davison, who left Ford Performance Racing to join Erebus for this season, previous best qualifying result of the seasons was third at Townsville in July.

“It’s pretty amazing – we haven’t had the best run till now,” said Davison, who now has 17 career poles to his name.

“I don’t think I’ve been top 15 this weekend.

“I was just laughing going around – I can’t believe I’m pole!”

Soon-to-be six-time V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup will start the race from second, ahead of Ford’s David Reynolds, Tim Slade of Holden and David Wall.

Jason Bright scored pole position for Saturday’s second 125km race, ahead of van Gisbergen, Volvo’s Scott McLaughlin and Whincup.

Davison’s teammate Lee Holdsworth was the only driver to miss both qualifying sessions, having crashed during practice.

The first of Saturday’s two 125km races begins at 2.30pm (AEDT).